Procurement Specialist

About the Company Synlait is a dynamic and purpose-driven milk nutrition company dedicated to "Doing Milk Differently for a Healthier World." We take pride in our unique approach and the spirit that drives our success. By shifting perceptions and promoting innovative thinking, we create value through our commitment to excellence. Our team comprises down-to-earth, authentic individuals who collaborate to produce the finest milk nutrition products. We blend expert farming practices with innovative processing techniques to deliver a range of nutritional milk products to our global customers. About the Role We are seeking a Procurement Specialist to manage our daily purchasing activities across various indirect categories for our manufacturing plants. In this role, you will provide essential support to the procurement team and key stakeholders, focusing on areas such as chemical and consumable goods, corporate services, and capital expenditures. As a Procurement Specialist, you will play a critical role in ensuring cost-effective procurement, managing supplier relationships, and enhancing operational efficiency. You will collaborate closely with business units to identify opportunities and risks that are vital to the success of both the business and the team. We are looking for an individual who is analytical, outcome-driven, and adaptable in communication. You should possess creative problem-solving skills to meet objectives effectively. The main responsibilities of this role include: - Collaborating with category managers and project teams, representing Procurement on assigned projects as needed. - Leading cost-saving initiatives, including the renewal and negotiation of sourcing contracts to drive operational efficiency and value. - Providing commercial and competitive insights to ensure alignment with business objectives, focusing on cost-effectiveness, risk mitigation, and value creation. - Strengthening supplier relationships and developing and monitoring supplier evaluation measures. - Identifying strategic issues related to procurement and contract management and their impact on other business areas. This position will be based at our Christchurch site in Dunsandel, with some flexibility to work in the city center. While we support flexible working arrangements, we will not consider remote working options. Requirements To be considered for this role, you should have a proven track record in managing indirect procurement, along with strong relationship-building skills. Ideally, you will have experience in purchasing, strategic sourcing, and commercial negotiations, demonstrating your ability to drive cost savings, negotiate supplier contracts, and manage tactical tender processes effectively. Key qualifications include: - Proven experience managing the entire procurement lifecycle, including sourcing, negotiation, contract management, and supplier performance evaluation. - Demonstrated success in achieving targets through planning and executing strategic procurement processes. - Experience in the dairy, manufacturing, or FMCG sectors is preferred. - Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills. - Excellent listening skills to identify strengths, weaknesses, and alternative solutions when working with suppliers. - Proven ability to thrive under pressure and meet deadlines in a multi-tasking environment. Please note that applicants outside of New Zealand will only be considered if they have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. Benefits At Synlait, we offer a range of benefits to support our employees, including: - Health insurance coverage and partnerships with leading brands for additional benefits and discounts. - Excellent parental leave through our Matua policy and flexible working options. - Access to world-class manufacturing facilities and BCorp™ certification. - Opportunities for social club membership. What’s Next? If you are interested in joining our team, please apply now by submitting your most recent CV and a cover letter highlighting your abilities and what you can bring to Synlait. We wish you the best of luck with your application. Applications will be reviewed regularly, so we encourage you to apply early as the advertisement may close ahead of schedule. Together, we will continue to cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.